Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum - 5 inch x 14 inch

$499.00

5.0 (1)

Used

$499.00

$499.00

5.0 (1)

$599.00

Average Price: $516

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Snare Drums category, Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum - 5 inch x 14 inch is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum - 5 inch x 14 inch". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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A cherished emblem of the '60s, the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum is back, capturing the hearts of drummers once again. Originally designed for budding percussionists, this snare gained fame for its exceptionally dry and bright-attacking tone that quickly became a staple among professionals. The Acrolite's allure lies in its construction—a 1.6mm seamless aluminum shell, finely crafted at Ludwig’s Monroe, North Carolina factory. This snare drum is not just about looks; its performance is amplified by chrome Classic dual snare lugs, a P85 strainer, and stylish blue/olive badging that harks back to its vintage roots.

The Acrolite's dynamic versatility makes it a go-to choice for various genres—from rock and jazz to hip-hop and soul. Whether you're a vintage drum enthusiast or a modern musician, the Acrolite delivers the sought-after "crack" that adapts effortlessly across musical styles. Sporting Remo heads, this snare is ready to take on any stage with confidence and style.

Key Features:

1.6mm seamless aluminum shell for bright, cracking tone
2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops
P85 strainer and P35P butt plate
Chrome Classic dual snare lugs
Blue/Olive vintage-style badge
Remo Coated Ambassador head and Remo Clear snare side head
Crafted in Monroe, NC, USA

Product specs

Type	Acrolite Snare Drum
Drum Depth	5"
Drum Diameter	14"
Shell Material	Aluminum
Shell Construction	1.6mm, Seamless
Hoops	2.3mm Triple-flanged
Lugs	10 x Twin Lugs, Chrome
Heads	Remo Ambassador, Coated Batter/Clear Snare Side
Additional Features	P88AC Throw-off, Blue/Olive Badge

FAQs

What is the shell material of the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum?: The Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum features an aluminum shell, known for its lightweight design and bright, resonant sound.
How does the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum's sound character compare to other snare drums?: The Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum is renowned for its crisp attack and balanced tone, making it versatile for various music genres from rock to jazz.
What are the dimensions of the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum?: The Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum measures 5 inches in depth and 14 inches in diameter, offering a classic snare size suitable for most playing styles.
What type of hoops does the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum use?: This snare drum is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops, which contribute to its open and resonant sound.
Is the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum is highly regarded for its projection and clarity, making it an excellent choice for live performances.

Videos

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UndergroundDrumShop

Ludwig Acrolite Classic Snare Drum 14 x 5 [Review] | Underground Drum Shop

UndergroundDrumShop

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum - 5 inch x 14 inch.

Comparisons

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The Acrolite 5x14 is often regarded as versatile, comparable to a "Swiss army knife" of snares, especially next to the Supraphonic or Black Beauty.
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The Yamaha Recording Custom aluminum snare is suggested as an alternative for its versatility and build quality, often compared favorably to the Acrolite.
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Players note that the 6.5-inch depth provides a more comfortable "pillowy" hand feel, reducing fatigue compared to the 5-inch version.
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The Acrolite is favored in studio settings over newer models like the DW Performance for its fit with certain band sounds.
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A vintage Acrolite was chosen over a modern DW Performance snare for recording, highlighting its superior fit for specific sound profiles.
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Use cases and applications

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The 6.5-inch depth of the Acrolite provides more body at high tunings and offers a different tonal palette compared to the 5-inch version.
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The 5-inch depth of the Acrolite is great for low tunings, suiting styles that require a punchy, crisp snare sound.
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Acrolite is often chosen for its ability to provide a dry, woody tone, making it versatile across styles like rock and pop.
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Features and functionality

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The modern Acrolite now features ten lugs, aligning it more closely with the Supraphonic, but retains different lugs and finishes.
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Value and pricing

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Vintage finishes like the '90s Black Galaxy ("Blacrolite") can fetch prices over $750 due to limited production runs.
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Setup and maintenance

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For deeper models, using a thinner resonant head and fewer snare wires can enhance the snare response in lower tunings.
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User experience

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The 5-inch Acrolite excels in articulation and a wide tuning range, making it ideal for genres like funk that require detailed ghost notes.
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The 5-inch Acrolite can feel "like playing on a block of wood" due to its high rebound, which might cause hand fatigue during long sessions.
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Real owners report that the 5-inch Acrolite works well both with muffling and when played wide open, adding versatility to its use.
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Owners appreciate the Acrolite for its metallic crack and fat splat sound, offering versatility in both recording and live settings.
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Critic Reviews

Ludwig Acrolite Classic Snare Drum review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum shines with its lightweight, seamless aluminum shell, offering a bright, adaptable tone that stands the test of time. Praised for its classic design and playability, this snare remains a favorite among both students and professionals. However, its premium price point may deter some potential buyers. Overall, the Acrolite is a reliable choice for drummers seeking a versatile and crisp sound, making it hard to fault despite the cost.

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Artist usage

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Aaron Sterling

Drummer

Verified via YouTube

At 5:20 in the video "At Home with Aaron Sterling" by Lauten Audio on YouTube, Aaron Sterling is seen showcasing a Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum, 5 inch x 14 inch, as part of his snare drum collection.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Pop

Jazz

Rock

Folk, World, & Country

Blues

Funk / Soul

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum - 5 inch x 14 inch, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Lauten Audio Rim Mount Drum Mic Clip Clips & Mounts

Ebenor Percussion 14x7 Antique Brass Collection snare drum Snare Drums

FLEA 47 Condenser Microphones

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Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphones

Lauten Audio TomMic Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Condenser Microphones

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